Content writing proof reading and editing tips

It isn’t easy to proof read or edit your own content writing. Because you know what it is supposed to say and the message you are trying to portray, it is more difficult for you to spot errors. Mark Twain noted in a letter, “You think you are reading proof, whereas you are merely reading your own mind; your statement of the thing is full of holes & vacancies but you don’t know it, because you are filling them from your mind as you go along.” Therefore, it is a good idea to get someone else to proof read or edit your content writing for you. You could consider asking a friend or family member, or a professional in proof reading and editing content writing.

Top 5 Content Writing Editing and Proof Reading Tips

Here are some tips to help you to improve upon your proof reading and editing skills:

1. Don’t proof reading or edit as soon as you have finished writing. Give yourself a break and refresh your mind and eyes. Or try reading something else before you start proof reading, to help you clear what you have just written from your mind.

3. Instead of reading your work from your computer, print it off and proofread it with a red pen or a highlighter.

4. Double check all of the facts that you have used throughout your writing.

5. Spelling: use a dictionary if you are unsure on a word. Reading your writing backwards will help to highlight spelling mistakes. Pay attention to shorter words like on, that are often typed incorrectly or are auto corrected to read in or an.

More tips to help you edit and proof read your document

6. Make sure you proof read the headings and any information noted in the footer of your writing. This is where most errors are found as people focus on the body of their texts.

7. Go through your writing looking for a specific error, for example punctuation errors. Repeat this process looking for spelling errors etc. Focusing on one set of problems at a time means you will notice more.

8. Looking at your writing upside down will highlight errors in spacing and typology.

9. Make sure that your assignment has a natural flow and is well-structured, avoid flicking back and forth between subjects.

10. Ensure you haven’t left any content out.

11. Ensure you have used the correct referencing system and that you have referenced every book, website etc. used.

12. Make your own proof reading checklist. If there are mistakes that you constantly make, note these down and go through your writing looking specifically for these errors.

13. Ask someone else to proof read your work for you. You can ask anyone, but it is preferred to use someone with experience in proof reading and editing. Who will also provide commentary on the changes that have been made to your document.

Why should you proof read and edit?

By proof reading and editing your content writing is essential, you make sure your message is not overshadowed or even completely lost. Not to mention it is embarrassing if someone later highlights your mistakes. With this in mind, you should therefore make sure you set aside plenty of time to proof read and edit your copy writing.

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